how do you start the u-tube

[peacetypes]

i was wondering if someone could tell me how to start the overflow


thnaks robb

 

[fishpoo]

couple of ways to do it. You can fill it with tank water and hold the ends until the u tube is in place. That can be tricky to get you hand in there. you can also use a piece of airline tubing inserted into the tube , place the tube with the airline towards the wall and suck the air out until it starts flow. Ofcourse, the overflow box will have to be filled with water first.
Another way is to use the airline tubing and a venturi powerhead. Place the ph in the sump or tank and the airline attached. The other end in the u tube at the highest point so it can suck out the air and start flow.

 

[Reef Guy11]

Or you can do what i use to do when i had the overflow with the U tube. Just use a plastic bag, fill the U tube with tank water then rip off 2 pieces of the plastic bag, hold the pieces on both end of the U tube. While holding the plastic on the U tube turn it over and stick it in your overflow box then pull the bags off and then the shipon began's. Make sure that both your box out side the tank and the box inside the tank have water in them or it won't work, I know i try it.

 

[Anonymous]

I am sure the the original poster know about it, but there is another thread with some good hints here too:

http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=36477

 

[panmanmatt]

I drilled my u tubes at the bend and glued a one way air valve in the hole. Just attach an airline and suck the air out, works great and no air returns when u take the tubing off. And you don't swallow hardly any water at all.

 

[Anonymous]

The one way air valve is prone to failure... can be a bad idea in the long run for a siphon overflow, but fine if you need the siphon only for a few minutes. Just my opinion.

 

[Tangboy5000]

Just fill the tube with water. Put pieces of plastic wrap over both ends. Stick it in the overflow box and pull the plastic off. I have big hands and have no problem with this method.